Filipino Citizens Can Now Send Their Tourist Visa Applications to South Korea via Mail

As of last week, the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) has started accepting applications for tourist visas by mail.

In a recent statement, KVAC said that starting from May 1, Filipino applicants nationwide can now receive their tourist visa application forms (C-3-9) through mail. At the same time, their applications will be accepted only if they are sent via KVAC’s partner courier service (W Express), VisaGuide.World reports.

Our Visa Application Courier Service will be expanded nationwide through W-Express. Enjoy a smooth and convenient visa application process as the first step to your planned Korean trip.

On the other hand, applications for non-Filipino visas and different types of visas will still need to be submitted in person at the KVAC or designated travel agencies.

Application & Mailing Fees for Filipino Applicants Will Cost PHP 1,900 per Head

According to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, fees for each application will be 1,900 PHP, which will be collected onsite. This means that PHP 1,000 will be charged for the postal service and PHP 900 for the KVAC service fee.

Meanwhile, the duration of the service for 14 working days starts from the day of receipt of the application by W Express until the final delivery of the passport to the applicant.

Simplified Korean Visa Application Requirements as of February 1, 2024

In January this year, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines announced that from February 1 to December 31, 2024, it will simplify Korean visa application requirements for certain types of applicants and their immediate family members.

It further noted that while submitting certain documents for each type of qualified individual will become optional, other documents such as the general application form, copy of the passport’s biographical page, and proof of relationship (for those traveling with members’ immediate family) will still be required.

As the same authority explains, holders of a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID need only submit the original copy of their employment certificate and a copy of their PRC license ID or IBP ID. This applies to Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers, CPAs, Pharmacists and Veterinarians.

South Korea’s Digital Nomad Visa Allows Foreigners to Work in the Country for up to 2 Years

During January 2024, South Korea also launched a visa for digital nomads, allowing foreign enthusiasts of Korean culture to stay there for up to two years.

As a result, the digital nomad visa allows foreigners to work remotely from South Korea for a foreign company for one year, and upon its completion, digital nomad visa holders can apply for a one-year extension.

To apply for a new digital nomad visa, applicants must be over the age of 18 and must have worked in their current field for at least one year.